More parking could become available in the Georgetown neighborhood. First, the Advisory Neighborhood Commission must make the right decision.
The ANC is considering a proposal by the Georgetown Kiwanis Club to allow residents to parallel park in front of their own driveways. The commission should approve the proposed one-year pilot program as soon as possible.
Georgetown students with cars face an everyday battle to find parking near campus, especially if they have to move their cars every two hours. The District arguably has the worst traffic problem for an American city its size. That, coupled with Georgetown’s small, cobblestone streets and one- ways means finding a good parking space is guaranteed to be a frustrating task.
The proposal suggests granting permits to residents that would allow them to parallel park in front of their own driveways. If passed, the plan could create up to 350 new parking spaces, according to an article in The Georgetown Current.
This benefits students and residents alike, since it guarantees residents another parking space, lessening the chance that students will have to compete with residents for the curbside.
Opponents of the plan worry about price tag associated with the proposal. The cost of the program would only involve installing parking signs on street corners to inform visitors of the neighborhood’s policy.
Residents would have to pay $15 a year for the additional residential parking permits, and the program may well pay for itself. These costs, however, are more than offset by the added convenience of additional parking.
Opponents also argue that guaranteeing residents more parking would encourage them to buy additional cars to fill that parking.
Certainly, people that were considering a new car before, but were put off by the idea of having to fight for parking, will see an added incentive to buy another vehicle. Nevertheless, it is hard to believe most people will buy another car simply because they will have more room for one.
This proposal is an innovative solution to an everyday problem. It benefits both students and residents by opening up additional parking, and it eases relations between them since competition for spaces is reduced. During next month’s meeting, the ANC should resolve to support the parking program for the gain of students and residents alike.
